Beyond the Orchard
We recently turned a simple visit to an apple orchard into a weekend full of fun and apple-inspired activities, and I have to tell you — it was such a great reminder that you don’t need a big, expensive trip to make memories. Our kids were just as excited by the idea of local adventures and crafting at home. We’ll be making this a new tradition to kick off the fall season, proving that the best moments really do come from the simplest adventures.
If you're looking for some ideas to try with your family this fall, here’s how our weekend went:
The Adventure: An Apple Orchard Outing
We started with a trip to Breeden’s Orchard in Mount Juliet, TN., and it was such a great way to enjoy the crisp air of the new season. When I plan outings like this, I always look for a place where the kids can run, climb, and get loud (a.k.a. just be kids!). And they did just that, running through the orchard, sliding down playground slides, and picking the juiciest of apples. Of course, they couldn’t resist biting into them right away! We left with bags full of apples, and a new spot we’ll be visiting again. It was the perfect start to our weekend, and the fun didn’t stop there!
The Creative Moment: Apple Stamping
We brought our apple haul home and got creative with a fun project—apple stamping! The kids loved this one. We cut the apples in half, dipped them in fabric paint, and stamped their shapes onto cloth dish towels. It was messy, but so worth it! And the best part? We turned these into homemade gifts for their teachers. We wrapped them up around some of our beeswax candles, and the kids were so proud of their creations. It was such a simple but meaningful way to spend time together, kicking off a season of giving.
Materials:
Flour sack dish towels
Fabric Paint
Apples, halved
Paint Brushes
Tip: Make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy in!
The Activity: Apple Pie on a Stick
To wrap up the weekend, we took the last few apples we had to the campfire and made ‘Apple Pie on a Stick’! I had no idea this would be such a hit! It’s so easy and fun to make, and it was the perfect way to end our apple-filled adventures. Watching the kids roast their apples and seeing their faces light up when they took that first bite - priceless!
Prepare your ingredients:
Bowl of 1 cup cinnamon & 1 cup sugar (mixed)
Bowl of 1 cup granola
Long skewers for the apples
Cook your apple skewers:
Stick a skewer through the center of each apple.
Hold the apple over the campfire, just above the flames, and rotate it constantly. The skin will start to look shiny.
Once the skin begins to bubble slightly (about 10-15 minutes), remove it from the fire.
Peel & coat:
Carefully peel the hot skin off (use a knife if needed).
Roll the peeled apple in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Place it back over the fire for 5 minutes until the sugar caramelizes and drips.
Finish & enjoy:
Roll the caramelized apple in granola.
Let it cool slightly, then enjoy! For younger kids, slice the apples to cool faster and make eating easier.
Honestly, these simple, local activities turned into some of the most special moments we’ve had together. You don’t need an extravagant plan to make memories—just a little creativity and some outdoor time. I hope this inspires you to create your own apple adventure this fall!